Reducing Your Risk of Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders have a variety of causes, which may or may not be preventable.

For the cases that can be prevented, the following tips may help reduce your risk of developing
menorrhagia
or
amenorrhea.

Menorrhagia or Anovulatory Bleeding

Treat Conditions That Can Lead to Heavy Bleeding

Certain conditions can often be treated before they cause heavy bleeding. Examples include:

Thyroid disorders

Blood clotting problems

Hormone imbalances

Pelvic infection

Amenorrhea

Reduce the Intensity of Your Exercise Routine

Excessive and intense exercise can cause you to stop having menstrual periods. If you exercise compulsively due to fear of gaining weight, you may have an
eating disorder, such as
anorexia nervosa
or
bulimia nervosa
. It is not uncommon for women with eating disorders to exercise 2-6 hours a day. If you have an eating disorder, you need to see your doctor to get proper treatment.

On the other hand, if you exercise intensely because you are a competitive athlete, it may be difficult for you to change your exercise routine. To prevent the complications associated with this type of amenorrhea, talk to your doctor about whether you should take
calcium
. You may also want to consider taking birth control pills.

Maintain an Appropriate Weight and Level of Body Fat

Amenorrhea is often related to levels of body fat—either too much or too little. Your doctor can help determine your appropriate weight and body fat levels. You should not lose too much weight or lose weight too quickly. Along the same lines, you should not gain too much weight or gain too quickly. These extremes can affect your menstrual cycle.

If you need to lose weight, your doctor or a dietitian can help you make adjustments so that your diet is well-balanced and adequate in calories. If you have an intense fear of gaining weight or feel that your eating is compulsive and out of control, you should also be assessed for eating disorders.

Get Help for an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders, such as
anorexia nervosa
and
bulimia nervosa, often lead to amenorrhea. Eating disorders are serious disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating. They are accompanied by feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which you have an obsession with dieting and exercise that leads to excessive weight loss.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which you eat large amounts of food (binging) and then use inappropriate means (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise) to rid your body of the food (purging). You eat compulsively and feel unable to stop, then purge to prevent gaining weight.

If you think you may have an eating disorder, seek help from your doctor.

Reduce Your Stress Level

High levels of stress can disrupt your menstrual periods. In addition to
reducing your overall stress level, you should get more rest and relaxation. You may also benefit from relaxation techniques, such as
meditation
, deep breathing, progressive relaxation,
yoga
, and
biofeedback
. These techniques help you pay attention to tension in your body and release it with exercises that help quiet your mind and relax your muscles. Regular enjoyable activities can also help you relieve stress.

Treat Conditions That Can Lead to Amenorrhea

Certain conditions can be treated before they lead to amenorrhea. Examples of these conditions include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.